Washington Nationals face 4-5 defeat against Pittsburgh Pirates - MLB Update
Relief pitcher, Henry Rodriguez costs the Washington Nationals 4-5 loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates in first game of three-match series at PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 8, 2012.
Everything went well for the Nationals before beginning of bottom of the ninth.
However, as soon as they achieved a one run lead in top of the ninth and just when a definite victory was looking palpable on the back of a tremendous record by Rodriguez in protecting the lead, their hopes were shattered with a two-run homer by Rod Barajas.
Short-stop, Ian Desmond was hitless, giving a rare dent to his consistent performance in the season.
After an injury by Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper played at right field. Minimising an impact of his absence on offence’s performance, Harper made one hit in four at-bats and completed one run.
During his initial games in the Majors, Harper was sent down the line-up, for doing a slugging job. However, from last few games, it seems manager has detected his talent to load the bases.
He came up the order and hit a double in the game.
Third baseman, Ryan Zimmerman appeared for the first time after his stint on disabled list, due to shoulder inflammation. He got one hit in four at-bats.
Zimmerman’s entry in the line-up will do well to counter-balance a likely weakness, taking root in the Nationals’ offence after wrist injury by Werth.
Werth went through surgery the other day and as per the reports, will miss season for at-least 12 weeks.
Edwin Jackson, while starting for the Nationals threw seven innings. He gave up two homers and struck-out five.
Catcher, Wilson Ramos and first baseman, Adam LaRoche hit homers for the Nationals.
Joel Hanrahan came as a reliever for the Pirates, and as he threw little less than one inning, he proved an easier prey for the Nationals.
If he was not gotten off the mound immediately after he allowed two runs, the Nationals may have fetched enough from him to take their lead to an unassailable level.
Since the bullpen is not as strong as it was with Brad Lidge and Drew Storen, two injured relief pitchers, the Nationals are short of options later in the innings.
Therefore, they will like to see Rodriguez and Tyler Clippard, doing some extra work and make up for the deficiency.
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